LYLA Batch 1
International Leadership Exposure
The Maiden Voyage
In a world where leadership, creativity, and effective communication skills are increasingly valued, initiatives like the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) play a crucial role in nurturing the potential of young students. Established in 2022, LYLA emerged as a beacon of opportunity for fourteen Malaysian students, offering them a transformative experience at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) in the United Kingdom.
The inaugural LYLA journey began with a symbolic flag-off at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on the 4th of July 2022. As the students bid farewell to their familiar surroundings and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, excitement and anticipation filled the air. Little did they know that they were about to embark on a life-changing adventure that would shape their futures in profound ways.
Hours later, amidst the cool evening breeze of London, the students touched down at Heathrow Airport.
The inaugural LYLA journey began with a symbolic flag-off at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on the 4th of July 2022. As the students bid farewell to their familiar surroundings and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, excitement and anticipation filled the air. Little did they know that they were about to embark on a life-changing adventure that would shape their futures in profound ways.
Hours later, amidst the cool evening breeze of London, the students touched down at Heathrow Airport.
Exploring a New Kind of Campus Life
Upon arrival at the UH campus, students participating in the LYLA programme are welcomed into the university dormitory, which serves as their home away from home during their stay. Equipped with modern amenities including a kitchen and student lounge, the dormitory provides a comfortable and conducive living space where students can unwind, socialise, and recharge after a day of engaging seminars and workshops.
The UH campus offers more than just a place to rest one's head; it serves as a vibrant hub of activity and learning, where students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of extracurricular pursuits. One such avenue for recreation is the campus's state-of-the-art sports facilities, which offer a variety of activities for students to enjoy.
But perhaps the most powerful aspect of the UH campus experience is the sense of community that permeates every aspect of life within its walls.
The UH campus offers more than just a place to rest one's head; it serves as a vibrant hub of activity and learning, where students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of extracurricular pursuits. One such avenue for recreation is the campus's state-of-the-art sports facilities, which offer a variety of activities for students to enjoy.
But perhaps the most powerful aspect of the UH campus experience is the sense of community that permeates every aspect of life within its walls.
Cross-Cultural Learning Experiences
As students embark on their journey with the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) programme at the University of Hertfordshire (UH), they are not only immersed in the principles of leadership but also challenged to harness their creativity in addressing real-world problems. Under the guidance of UH professors, participants are tasked with designing projects that confront a pressing issue: what to do with the surplus textile inventory left by a giant clothing company that utilises high-quality fabrics.
This unique creative challenge serves as a cornerstone of the LYLA programme, offering students the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to a tangible problem with far-reaching implications. By tackling the issue of textile surplus, students are not only encouraged to think critically and innovatively but also to consider the environmental and social impact of their proposed solutions.
Throughout the duration of the LYLA programme at UH, students are guided by UH professors who provide mentorship, support, and expertise.
This unique creative challenge serves as a cornerstone of the LYLA programme, offering students the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to a tangible problem with far-reaching implications. By tackling the issue of textile surplus, students are not only encouraged to think critically and innovatively but also to consider the environmental and social impact of their proposed solutions.
Throughout the duration of the LYLA programme at UH, students are guided by UH professors who provide mentorship, support, and expertise.
Navigating the Test
As the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) programme at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) nears its conclusion, students find themselves facing the ultimate test of their leadership and creativity – the final examination. In this pivotal moment, participants are divided into small groups, each tasked with presenting their final projects in front of a panel of esteemed judges. Armed with PowerPoint presentations and projectors, students have the opportunity to showcase the culmination of their hard work, innovation, and dedication.
For each group, the final presentation is a moment of both excitement and nervousness—a chance to shine and make a lasting impression. With hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins, students take to the stage, armed with slideshows that encapsulate the essence of their projects. Through compelling narratives, data-driven analysis, and captivating visuals, they strive to convey the significance of their work and the impact it has had on addressing real-world challenges.
For each group, the final presentation is a moment of both excitement and nervousness—a chance to shine and make a lasting impression. With hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins, students take to the stage, armed with slideshows that encapsulate the essence of their projects. Through compelling narratives, data-driven analysis, and captivating visuals, they strive to convey the significance of their work and the impact it has had on addressing real-world challenges.
From Chance to Custom: A Tradition Unfolds
In a beautiful twist of fate, the final day of the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) programme at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) coincided with the joyous celebration of Aidiladha, a significant day in the Islamic calendar. As Muslims around the world gathered to commemorate this auspicious occasion, the LYLA participants embraced the spirit of unity and festivity by coming together for a heartfelt farewell picnic that would leave an indelible mark on their memories and the legacy of the programme.
Clad in vibrant traditional attire, the students gathered at the university compound, their faces beaming with excitement and anticipation. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and the gentle rustle of leaves, they set up tables adorned with an array of homemade delicacies, each dish a labour of love crafted with care and reverence for the occasion. But the LYLA Farewell Picnic was more than just a feast for the senses; it was a celebration of the bonds forged and the memories shared over the course of the programme.
Clad in vibrant traditional attire, the students gathered at the university compound, their faces beaming with excitement and anticipation. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and the gentle rustle of leaves, they set up tables adorned with an array of homemade delicacies, each dish a labour of love crafted with care and reverence for the occasion. But the LYLA Farewell Picnic was more than just a feast for the senses; it was a celebration of the bonds forged and the memories shared over the course of the programme.
Saying Goodbye
As the London Youth Leadership Award (LYLA) programme drew to a close, participants found themselves facing the bittersweet reality of bidding farewell to the vibrant city that had become their temporary home. With just two days remaining before their departure for Malaysia, students seized the opportunity to savour every last moment in London, creating memories that would stay with them for a lifetime.
For many, the final days in London were a whirlwind of activity and exploration, as students ticked off items from their bucket lists and captured snapshots of their experiences to treasure forever. Whether posing for photos in front of Big Ben, strolling along the serene banks of the River Thames, or marvelling at the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, each moment was imbued with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the opportunity to witness the beauty of the city firsthand. But amidst the hustle and bustle of sightseeing, students also took the time to reflect on the profound impact that their LYLA journey had made on their lives.
For many, the final days in London were a whirlwind of activity and exploration, as students ticked off items from their bucket lists and captured snapshots of their experiences to treasure forever. Whether posing for photos in front of Big Ben, strolling along the serene banks of the River Thames, or marvelling at the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, each moment was imbued with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the opportunity to witness the beauty of the city firsthand. But amidst the hustle and bustle of sightseeing, students also took the time to reflect on the profound impact that their LYLA journey had made on their lives.
